Places

You are about to enter the fascinating world of GO — the best and most challenging game in the world. If you accept the challenge, you will be a General in command of an army assigned to occupy as much as possible of an uninhabited island — the Goban, or GO board.

The origins of GO are lost in the ancient mists of time, somewhere between 3 and 4 thousand years ago, in the neighbourhood of Tibet. Legend has it that a Chinese Emperor invented the game of Wéiqí to help his mentally retarded son. From the Chinese Court it eventually found its way, in the middle ages, to the Court of the Japanese Emperor, under the name of Igo. As one aficionado has it, you cannot have more fun with all your clothes on!

Did we say 'fun'? Well, it is said that GO isn't a matter of life and death: it is much more serious than that!

But, really, you can be sure of having lots of fun at the St Albans GO Club, every Wednesday evening from 7.30 to 11.30 p.m. Come and join us; let us teach you to play. Even as a beginner you will learn very quickly — and you will be made very welcome.